Ripon Christian head coach John De Visser was well aware that ace pitcher Connor McGovern was on his game Wednesday against visiting Denair.

“But I didn’t realize he had 10 strikeouts in a row,” De Visser said.

That realization came when McGovern gave up a bloop single to Anthony Martinez in the top of the fifth inning. That ended McGovern’s string of strikeouts and his bid for a no-hitter.

 “One of my assistants was upset once the ball was put in play,” De Visser said. “That’s when he told me.”

McGovern wound up with 14 strikeouts in five innings, and the Knights rolled to a 5-0 victory that evens their overall record to 5-5. They are also 4-1 in the Southern League.

McGovern walked one batter in the combined one-hitter. He was relieved by Billy Marr (two innings, three strikeouts) after throwing 71 pitches. The sophomore gave himself an early lead with a two-run double in the first inning.

“Connor had a good day,” De Visser said. “It was one of the more amazing days I’ve seen out of a player. I didn’t pull him because of pitch count, I just wanted to give Billy some innings. I was going to let him finish if he had the no-hitter going but he gave up the hit in the fifth. But Billy came in and threw well, too.”

Fellow sophomore Daniel Hannick contributed two hits and also drove in a pair of runs. Lukas Vermeulen added a double.

The series finale is today at Denair (1-4, 1-6).

Trans-Valley League

Hughson 10, Ripon 9

The Indians (2-1, 5-5-1) dropped a heartbreaker at Hughson (3-0, 8-2).  The host Huskies plated three runs in the bottom of the seventh to force extra innings, rallied for two more in the eighth and ended it in the 10th on Dylan Horner’s RBI single.

The loss wastes an gutty effort from pitcher Caleb Rogers, who allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits and three walks while striking out seven over six innings. The Indians, who out Hughson 17-15, held a 7-4 lead after five innings.

Zach Horwood crushed a grand slam, while Josh Clark (2 for 2, two runs, RBI, three walks) reached on all five of his plate appearances. Nick Price was 3 for 6, while Michael Ysit, Luke Robison, Trent Murphy, Jarred Andrews and Rogers added two knocks apiece.

Valley Oak League

Oakdale 10,
Weston Ranch 0

USC-bound Bryce Dyrda struck out 10 in four innings for the Mustangs (5-0, 8-3).

Cody Simerley and Steven Jasper accounted for Weston Ranch’s only two hits. The Cougars fell to 0-3 in league, 2-11 overall.